Deviousness refers to the quality of being deceitful, cunning, and often manipulative in achieving one’s goals. It implies using dishonest or underhanded methods to gain an advantage or manipulate situations to one’s benefit. Devious behavior is typically associated with trickery, misdirection, or circumventing ethical boundaries. It may involve intentionally misleading others or concealing one’s true intentions for personal gain. While it is often viewed negatively, in some contexts, deviousness might be admired for its cleverness in achieving difficult goals. However, the term generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting dishonesty and a lack of transparency.
10 Sentences Using “Deviousness”:
- His deviousness was revealed when he manipulated the evidence to avoid responsibility.
- The deviousness of her plan to sabotage the project shocked everyone.
- She used her deviousness to win the competition, outsmarting all her opponents.
- The politician’s deviousness in twisting the truth was exposed by investigative reporters.
- They couldn’t believe the deviousness with which he managed to manipulate the situation.
- His deviousness in concealing his true motives made it difficult for others to trust him.
- She admired his deviousness in getting around the rules without being caught.
- The deviousness behind his charm was something that many didn’t notice at first.
- The CEO’s deviousness in securing a huge profit from the merger was later uncovered.
- His deviousness in exploiting his colleague’s weakness was shocking to all.
Synonyms for “Deviousness”:
- Cunning
- Craftiness
- Trickery
- Duplicity
- Guile
- Deceitfulness
- Slyness
- Dishonesty
- Artifice
- Subterfuge
Antonyms for “Deviousness”:
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Straightforwardness
- Sincerity
- Transparency
- Frankness
- Openness
- Directness
- Trustworthiness
- Truthfulness
Related Words for “Deviousness”:
- Devious (adjective)
- Deviously (adverb)
- Deceit
- Manipulation
- Dishonesty
- Trickery
- Scheming
- Subterfuge
- Duplicitous
Phrasal Verbs for “Deviousness”:
- Trick into (to deceive or manipulate someone into doing something)
- Lead astray (to mislead or deceive)
- Get around (to find a way to avoid something, often in a dishonest manner)
- Cover up (to conceal something, often a wrongdoing)
- Pull off (to successfully achieve something in a clever or deceitful manner)
Idiomatic Expressions for “Deviousness”:
- “Pull the wool over someone’s eyes” (to deceive or trick someone)
- “Have an agenda” (to have hidden or selfish motives)
- “Behind someone’s back” (doing something secretly or deceitfully)
- “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” (someone who pretends to be harmless while being deceitful)
- “Play dirty” (to use dishonest or underhanded methods to achieve something)
